EU business can now find information on African IP matters, and address specific questions, through the Africa IP SME Helpdesk which was launched on 21 October as part of the EU-African SME Summit 2021.

Last year, the EU was Africa’s largest trade partner, accounting for 31% of Africa’s exports and 29% of imports.

The new Helpdesk will raise awareness on IP matters in Africa, with detailed information on national IP landscapes, case studies, training materials, and webinars.

The practical information on IP will help SMEs to better understand and protect their IP assets in Africa and support small and medium-sized enterprises in creating, protecting, utilising, administering, and enforcing IP rights across Africa, in line with international and European best practices.

In addition, EU SMEs will be able to submit their enquiries to the Helpdesk related to protecting their IP rights in Africa through a dedicated helpline service. IP experts will provide advice, respecting confidentiality, within three working days.

The Africa IP SME Helpdesk is established thanks to the support of the European Union and implemented by the EUIPO, through the Intellectual Property Rights & Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) project.

Picture of EU-African SME Summit logo taken from its website.